Cooking with almond milk

Jen Klein is a New England-based technical writer and mother of three. When she isn't asking her kids to stop bickering, "caramelizing" the dinner or actively ignoring the dust bunnies under the couch, she enjoys knitting, gardening, pho...

Make your own almond milk

Like almond flour or almond meal, almond milk may not be something you have thought of lately, if at all - unless you have experience with food allergies. Almond "milk", made from soaked and ground almonds, is a great solution for the dairy allergic or dairy sensitive. And, regardless, it is quite tasty.

Almond is delicious and versatile

Almond milk is not just for vegans or people with dietary issues, though it certainly can help them through. When I had to go off dairy completely when my children were infants, I depended on almond milk to feel like I was eating normally.

Almond milk been around for centuries, actually, as it doesn't spoil as quickly as cow's milk in areas with limited refrigeration. During the Middle Ages, it was a well-known ingredient, and, as it comes from a plant, was considered suitable for consumption during Lent or during feast days.

You can use almond milk almost any place you use cow's milk: over cereal, in smoothies, in coffee and tea (or to make hot cocoa), and in baking and cooking (soups, some sauces). Almond milk is available commercially, but it's also very easy to make yourself. It's protein-rich and cholesterol-free while being low in carbohydrates, low in calories - and, well, yummy. Really!

Almond milk recipes

Almond milk is definitely worth some experimentation. Here are some recipes to get you started.

Almond Milk

Directions:
1. Place the almonds in a large jar and cover with the water. Close the jar tightly and refrigerate for 24 hours. Puree the soaked almonds and water together until smooth.

2. Strain the liquid though a cheesecloth, squeezing all liquid out of the resulting paste (you can reserve the paste for another tasty use). Whisk in the vanilla and honey, if using. Almond milk is now ready to drink as is or use in smoothies and other recipes.

Vanilla Almond Milk Latte

Directions:
Warm the almond milk and vanilla, then froth using a battery-powdered frother, or other method. Place the espresso shots in individual cups. Carefully pour in the frothed almond milk. Dust with cocoa.